The Firefly Chronicles

The Pink Moon was more orange last night, as it hung over the capital building. It was larger than life. At first, I thought it was some late night flare on the lens of the ABC camera. Then, it appeared on the Metro Traffic camera, too. The big, beautiful moon. Oh, it was glorious. I just stared at it for what seemed like hours, imaging the dances that should be done under that moon. But, not in the city. In a secret hideaway.

At ll:12 tonight…the moon becomes full. Not just any full moon, this is the time of the harvest moon. The moon rises a little later each night…which yields 30 extra minutes of light. Now, extended moonlight make for longer witchy activities, but another group of people find it especially helpful. Farmers use the extra 30 minutes of moonlight to finish up the harvest. The harvest moon is the full moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox…occurring either in September, or early October.

As for a Brief History on the Origins of Astrology…this practice came about around 1800 B.C.E., when the Babylonians ruled Mesopotamia. These people, much like ourselves, would study the heavens for some omen that might affect the kingdom. Over time, the Babylonians compiled lists and observed the reoccurring cycles of the planets. They were eventually able to predict where the planets would be at any given time.

In the beginning, astronomy and astrology were the same. As metaphysical arts became faux pas with the rise of Christianity, as well as with the development of science, this position fell away.

Astrology is the study of the RELATIONSHIPS between planets…paired with how these relationships affect us. Despite popular belief, astrology has little to do with observing stars, though this is where astrological signs originated from. Early astrologers named the signs of the zodiac after constellations of the day.

Each celestial body, no matter how large or small, gives off energy. Though most of these bodies are millions of miles away, they are very large and powerful. For example, imagine how much energy the earth gives off. This planet, like many others, is strong enough to hold another body in its orbit. Our moon. Also, the moon embodies so much energy that it is able to pull on the oceans, creating tides. The larger the body, the more energy we can imagine that it gives off.

NATAL astrology involves how a person’s personality develops and is affected by the energies of the planets at the time of birth. Studying natal astrology is very effective, because it focuses on the time when celestial energies first had the most influence on us.

Another common usage of astrology is the forecasting and analyzing of major and minor life events. By taking an objective look at the influences currently playing on our lives, we can not only understand what is influencing us, but work towards preparing for it as well. Just because you have already popped out of your mother and have grown up does not mean that you have been unaffected by the universe this whole time.

Celestial energies are part of our nature…just like genetics. Our growth is also determined by how we are nurtured, or brought up by our environment. Only by mixing these two ingredients (nature and nurture) can a whole personality be formed. By studying Astrology, and the effect these celestial energies have on a person, we get a clue into who they are.

When astrology mentions the word SIGN, it is referring to one of twelve types of energy. Early astrologers grouped people into 12 different categories, all being influenced by different energy.

When it comes to natal astrology, these signs represent various parts of a personality. A personality is not made up of one sign or set of characteristics, but a mixture of many. The need to oversimplify signs is why Astrology has been seen as a riffraff game. On the contrary, it is a very focused and personal science. Each person has 3 major signs influencing them. Now, remember these, because we will come back to them again and again. The SUN SIGN is the sign that the Sun was in at the moment of birth. The RISING SIGN is the sign that was rising in the horizon at the moment of birth. The MOON SIGN is the sign that the Moon was in at the moment of birth.

Along with the Sun, Moon, and the horizon…the different planets also have various influences on personality. These differences depend on which section of the sky the planets fall at the time of birth. Each planet has its own set of characteristics. We’re looking at not only the Sun and the Moon, but Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and the recently demoted Pluto as well. The Sun and the Moon, though not exactly planets…celestial bodies, rather….have the most effect on us. The moon, because it’s closest, and the Sun, because…well…it’s the Sun. It’s a huge, exploding ball of gas. What more can I say?

Even though the International Astronomical Union has demoted Pluto to the status of dwarf planet, I am not taking this celestial body out of the Academy’s Astrology courses for now. It is in every book you will buy for the time being. Even though science defines it as not-a-planet, it is still a planet it our hearts. I feel so, even though I completely agree with the decision to demote it. But chunk of rock. And, it’s still there…not going anywhere, except around the sun. Oh, and maybe cutting in front of Neptune every now and then.

The sky is divided into 12 sections, or houses. Each house represents a part of life. Depending on which house a planet falls in, that planet influences that section of life. 12 houses and 9 planets make for many different situations and outcomes. Though the sky is fixed, the earth and the planets move about this celestial game board.

For an example of the complexity of one person’s natal horoscope, my birthday is August 27th, 1982, and I was born at 7:21a.m. (EDT), in Amherst, Ohio (41°N). At this time and on this day, the Sun was in Virgo, the Moon was in Sagittarius, and the sign that was rising on the horizon was Virgo. Since Aug. 27th is so close to Leo (which goes until the 22nd of August), I am influenced in a way by this sign as well. Then, the 9 planets fall into 1 of 12 houses, which vary in some section of my life. Depending on the aspects or relationships these planets have (depending on where they are located in relation to one another) also influences various personality characteristics.

So, you see, there are so many things to think about when using Astrology. When most people think about Astrology, they usually only consider a person’s Sun sign, and many of these characteristics are not always true to a person, because we are all so unique and individual. We’ll talk later about what exactly all of these signs, houses, planets, aspects, and characteristics are and how they influence people.

If you would like more information on Astrology, the Firefly Academy is teaching a course this semester. You can check it out by going to fireflyacademy-DOT-org.

Quite the people person, a someone born with the Sun in Libra tends to charm others with his/her understanding of their various points-of-view. Libra is a cardinal—masculine–air sign…which indicates someone under this sign is energetic, and a master at communication and persuasion. These cats are smooth, easy going, and very social. Ruled by Venus, they love all things of beauty…people, places, art, music, etc. Money doesn’t stick around long. They don’t love money, but rather the things it can buy.

Behind the radiating façade, a Libra-sun has shaky confidence. They can bring out smiles, and take compliments well, but those tokens of admiration are kept close. There’s always something missing…that one piece of the puzzle…which creates a little insecurity.

Symbolized by the Scales…which signify balance, equilibrium, order and justice…a Libra would pay anything for peace. Those with a Libra Sun will go out of their way to avoid friction and often use their abilities to smooth over rough situations. However, this can lead to fickleness, because constant peace and harmony makes decisions difficult. There are times that a Libra fears that any decision they make in some situations will cause everything to come tumbling down around them.

According to the KISS Guide to Astrology…Libra is the only sign not associated to a human or animal figure. Instead, Libra is paired with a philosophical idea…the weighing of the soul on judgment day. Traced back to the Egyptian Book of the Dead…the merit of a man’s soul is measured by weighing his heart against a feather that represents truth.

The full moon is a great time of power for witches. We sing, dance, and work magick in a way that is uniquely sparked by the full illumination of the moon. That glowing sphere has always been a source of mystery and awe for humans. It is our closest celestial sphere, and we have a very intimate connection with it. The moon holds a great influence over the earth and its inhabitants.

I know that sometimes the weeks and months spiral around too quickly for us to catch every moment. However, tonight or tomorrow, I would like you to go outside and catch a glimpse of the moon. Let the light shine down on you. Feel the vibrating energy that is being reflected. The Goddess calls to you. Listen to what she is saying.

We are nearing Mabon, the first day of fall. Soon, the weather will bite and stir the cool winds of the north. We will be less able to spend time outside. Whether you have plans with your circle, solitary plans, or no plans at all…make a point to spend some time outside. Collect acorns, buckeyes, flowers, twigs, or fallen leaves for your altar or dinner table. Commune with the deity. Thank the God and the Goddess for their abundance. Seek out peace and balance.

Pluto was discovered in 1930, and it has been considered a planet since the very beginning. However, last week, the International Astronomical Union met in Prague to discuss various topics of importance…including putting a definition to the word “planet.” Before today, a planet was just a large body that moved across a background of fixed stars. Not only has the definition changed, but school books, models, and our understanding of the solar system will change as well.

For now, the definition of a planet is limited to “a celestial body that is in orbit around the sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a … nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.” Pluto is automatically disqualified because its oblong orbit overlaps with Neptune’s. With this reasoning, it can be assumed that even though Neptune’s orbit overlaps with Pluto’s…it meets the requirements, because its journey does not overlap with Uranus. That it has in fact…cleared the neighborhood.

Instead, Pluto will be reclassified in a new category of “dwarf planets,” A dwarf planet is similar to what have long been termed “minor planets.” However, Pluto was not the only body looking to secure its place as a full-fledged planet. Ceres…the asteroid beyond Mars…and Xena…an icy body beyond Pluto… are also dwarf planets under this new definition. Once upon a time…Ceres was a planet when it was discovered in the 1800’s. It was demoted…things change…the end. Charon…the largest of the Plutonian moons…is no longer being considered for any special rank.

After hearing the news on television, my boyfriend asked me how the recent decision of the International Astronomical Union affected astrology. It was quite a good question and I had pondered that myself today. Astrology has long been tracking the movement of the planets, sun, and moon in relationship to the earth and each other. Redefining planetary expectations does not change astrology at all. Well, just like most other books, either Pluto will be deleted from the records, or the dwarf planets will be included. This celestial social psychology does not change, because these bodies were always there to begin with. Discovering their existence only changes our understanding of them.

Many astrologers have included Ceres in their calculations, charts, and contemplations by personal preference. It all depends on a cosmic body’s perceived significance. Ceres, Pluto, and Xena have not had major influences on earth or its inhabitants. They are dead, not living, and not emitting very much energy. Pluto and Xena are also transmitted very little energy from the sun, as a result of their distant local…so they are even less significant.

A celestial body’s affect on us is determined by its physical influence. The closer, bigger, and the more energy a body gives off, the larger influence it has on us. The Sun is a major astrological influence, because it is a big, firey ball of gas that emits lots of energy. The moon is in no way a tiny body, and it is very close to us.

Anyhow, say goodbye to Pluto the planet, and hello to Pluto the dwarf.

In short, those who were born under the Sun Sign of Virgo are critical, analytical, and calculating. They are very introverted and tend to retreat inward. In the safe haven of the mind, they plan, and think, and riddle. Virgos pay a strict attention to detail. They are perfectionists in every way. Though Virgo is the sign of the Virgin, they are in no way as naïve as this lets on. Yes, modest and reserved, but they are quite practical and discriminating.

These cool and calculating folks will not let on to their inner turmoil. They smile and nod, seemingly perfectly in order, but their insides could be freaking out. You see, Virgos harbor tons of nervous tension. Anxiety is a big problem for them, and that tends to feed into a lack of self-confidence. They are most critical of themselves. People can make large mistakes, but to a Virgo, the largest mistakes are the little ones that they make. However, they are quite knowledgeable, and usually have no reason to be down in the confidence area.

It is rare to find a Virgo who can take criticism well from external sources. They are their biggest critic. They know their mistakes, but will not be the first to admit them freely. But, their analytical ability allows them to analyze situations and correct themselves the next time. Though they are not easily swayed, they can see the other side when presented with a logical argument.

Logical and discriminating, Virgos are known for being truthful. They make great friends, because they are also very loyal.

Well, it looks not only is Pluto the planet safe, but school kids may be getting new textbooks. At least, that is the latest word from Prague and the first meeting of the International Astronomical Union in 39 years. In fact, the proposal that is currently awaiting approval may bump 3 other bodies up to planetary status. The new order of the solar system would read: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres…a large asteroid in the belt beyond Mars…Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Charon…Pluto’s largest moon…and the provisionally named 2003 UB313. It was nicknamed XENA by it’s discoverer. Astronomers are also watching approximately a dozen other bodies that could be added to the list. They are looking for verification of their sizes and other information.

The new definition of a planet is likely to become any round object larger than 800 kilometers…which is nearly 500 miles…in diameter…that orbits the sun…and has a mass roughly one-TWELVE THOUSANDTH that of Earth. Moons and asteroids be eligible if they meet those requirements. Roundness is key, experts said, because it indicates an object has enough self-gravity to pull itself into a spherical shape. So, Earth’s moon would NOT qualify, because the center of gravity for both the moon and the earth lies below the surface of the Earth.

According to the new guidelines, Ceres is a dwarf planet, referring to any planet that is smaller than Mercury. Pluto, Charon, and Xena are slated to become the first plutons. These bodies meet the guidelines to become planets, but they occupy orbits that take 200 years or more to complete.

This new definition of a planet is two years in the making. Before these recent deliberations, a planet was defined as any body that moved against the background of fixed stars.

Today and Tomorrow the International Astrnomical Union is meeting in Prague. Very soon, scientists may decide that Pluto is not a planet. During this celestial discussion is the debate of what exactly constitutes a planet. There are currently no real guidelines on this matter.

Xena, a rock larger than Pluto, was discovered in 2003. It orbits the sun as a part of a debris belt beyond Neptune. Controversy mounted when astronomers could not decide whether it should be considered a planet or not.

And now…many scientists doubt whether or not Pluto is really a planet. Chiron, one of Pluto’s moon, is similar in size. It’s not considered a planet. The thought now is that it might be better to call Pluto, and Xena MINOR planets. However, deciding that Pluto is actually a planet may mean categorizing a handful of other bodies as planets, such as Chiron and Xena.

Through the secretive nature of the resolution, many feel that U.S. pride is in jeopardy. Pluto remains the only planet that was discovered by an American.

So, what exactly should be the qualifications of a planet? Should they be a certain size? May they should be required to have a moon or two. Possibly only bodies within so many million miles should be considered planets. Or maybe if they had the potential at one time to hold life.

Whatever the decision of the International Astronomical Union comes to, will end up being the scientific standard. However, demoting Pluto may make many school children sad.